Telangana Cyber Security Bureau books case over fraudulent WhatsApp messages targeting Water Board consumers | Hyderabad News

Hyderabad: The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) has registered a case against users of six phone numbers and others based on a complaint from the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) regarding the continuous circulation of fraudulent WhatsApp messages impersonating the board. Several people lost money by installing apk files sent by fraudsters, who threatened to disconnect water supply claiming that the monthly bills were unpaid.On Tuesday evening, K Venkatakrishna, deputy general manager (engineering), electronic data processing (EDP) wing of HMWSSB, lodged a complaint with the TGCSB Headquarters police station, alleging that consumers across the city were being misled by fake water-disconnection notices sent via WhatsApp. The messages direct recipients to unauthorised mobile numbers, raising concerns over a coordinated scam targeting the board’s customer base.The complaint stated that despite HMWSSB lodging a similar complaint earlier with the cyber crime bureau, the fraudulent activity had continued. The board official said it had gathered additional information about the fraudsters’ attempts since the earlier complaint and requested the TGCSB to conduct a comprehensive probe.“The investigation may kindly cover the modus operandi adopted by the perpetrators, and the source and extent of unauthorised access to consumer information. Also, please investigate how such information is being obtained and find out about the possible involvement of any organised network in the unauthorised acquisition, misuse and circulation of such data,” the complainant said, urging the TGCSB to treat the matter as urgent given the continued fraud and its potential impact on consumers and HMWSSB’s reputation.He provided 10 examples of fraudsters duping or attempting to dupe victims by posing as HMWSSB representatives and submitted six phone numbers of suspects for verification.Acting on the complaint, TGCSB registered a case under Sections 318(4) (cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property) and 319(2) (cheating by personation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 66-D of the Information Technology Act.